LaMarcus Aldridge scores 32 as Trail Blazers slip by Clippers

LaMarcus Aldridge finished with 32 points and added 10 rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a close victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, 116-112. Portland (24-5) has now won eight of their last 10 games.

Aldridge went 15-31 from the field. Portland also got solid performances from Nicolas Batum with 19 points and 7 rebounds, Wesley Matthews with 19 points and 7 rebounds, and Damian Lillard with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Blake Griffin had another strong game for Los Angeles despite the loss, scoring 35 points on 15-27 shooting from the field and 4-5 from the free throw line. He also added 11 rebounds. Chris Paul contributed 34 points and 16 assists and Matt Barnes finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds.

Los Angeles (20-11) has now dropped consecutive games after losing to Golden State on Wednesday.

Coming up, the Trail Blazers battle the Miami Heat, who are 22-6 on the season. The Clippers match up against the Utah Jazz, currently sitting at 8-23 this year.